Opinion - Civility Learning Lab

Reader says border wall story is one-sided

OPINION — Associated Press reporter Rebecca Santana’s border wall article, headlined Trump administration’s $46 billion ‘smart wall’ races ahead on the US-Mexico border, was completely one-sided. more

By Tim Mannino | Florence | 7/6/26

Day: Statement on Trump Administration’s 2027 Homelessness Funding Guidelines

With its latest funding proposal, the Trump Administration is doubling down on a harmful agenda that threatens to rip our most vulnerable neighbors from their homes while further eroding access to … more

7/6/26

Drennen: It’s unfortunate that Rodney statue is not on display

There are articles in the July 3 paper honoring Caesar Rodney and his ride to cast the needed vote to pass the Declaration of Independence. more

7/6/26

Reader agrees Surprise ICE facility will be a ‘concentration camp’

OPINION — In response to Skip Porter’s letter, Why I’m no longer spending money in Surprise: “Concentration camp” is the right phrase for the Surprise ICE detention center. more

By Scott Mitzner | Sun City West | 7/6/26

Summer travel stress is real. how families can navigate vacation season

Summer is peak family vacation season, but the travel itself can be stressful for parents... more

By Boys Town South Florida | 7/6/26

Correcting the record on slates and Fountain Hills candidates

OPINION — Gregg Dudash claims I was “scolding” by criticizing his misguided civility lecture. No, I was, and am again, correcting the record. Brenda Kalivianakis is running for mayor … more

By Eric Landau | Fountain Hills | 7/6/26

Reflections from the Pulpit: Wisdom is the principal thing

Wisdom was God’s method when He created the heavens and the earth. more

Pastor Joseph Cholak
ONE Fellowship in Okeechobee | 7/6/26

Saying ‘enough’ to communism and socialism

OPINION — It has surprised me to hear how many young Americans believe in socialism/communism, even after so many communist nations have failed, in front of our eyes, over the years. Have … more

By Chris Brant | Fountain Hills | 7/6/26

Trump is destroying the ‘great experiment’

OPINION — MAGA folks, tell me why you support Trump. What’s he done to make anybody’s life better (except the morbidly wealthy)? What’s he done that he promised? Fixed inflation? Made … more

By Ann Schweers | Fountain Hills | 7/6/26

We must resolve the asbestos exposure and lung cancer case documentation gap

OPINION — Asbestos exposure stands among the most widespread, destructive and persistent occupational health disasters of the 20th century. more

By Jordan Cade | 7/6/26

Barrel District voter endorses Michael Calles for Glendale council

OPINION — Glendale residents, here we go again; a political insider just lined up behind Lisa Baker. Former politicians and long-time political figures have every right to endorse whomever they choose. more

By Nalan Furniss | Glendale | 7/6/26

Do staycation rates at Valley resorts tempt you?

The price of everything seems to be up. Gasoline and air fares are rising. Lodging and dining out have become pricey. Many Valley resorts, hoping to generate out-of-season revenue, have created … more

7/6/26

Jack Hastings: Surprise City Council District 5 – July Newsletter

OPINION —As we welcome July, I hope you and your family are enjoying a safe and memorable summer. more

By Jack Hastings | Surprise city councilmember | 7/6/26

With school out, Boys Town warns parents about AI chatbot risks for kids and teens

With school out and screen time often increasing during the summer, Boys Town is... more

Dr. Steve Arcidiacono
Director of Boys Town South Florida
Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic | 7/6/26

Grandparents can be keepers of the family narrative

OPINION — Grandparents serve many roles within their families, but perhaps none is as important as being the keeper of the family narrative — the record of family history, traditions and values that can help bind us. more

By Jill Ebstein | 7/5/26

Speak up: Bojangles, Chipotle draw Gilbert readers' interest

Bojangles set to bring first Arizona location to Gilbert Is this gonna be like another Buc-ees? — Daniel L. Can’t wait. — Rick M. … more

Independent Newsmedia | 7/5/26

Congressional districts: Boundaries or barriers for intimidation?

OPINION — Changes to congressional district boundaries cause one to ask, what is the purpose of new lines drawn? And what is the difference between a boundary and a barrier? more

By Thomas Richard | Sun City West | 7/5/26

Holy cow! History — How America’s first fourth went off with a bang

OPINION — Throughout history, milestone Independence Day anniversaries have arrived just when Americans needed them most. Take the nation’s Centennial in 1876. After surviving the bloodiest war in U.S. history in the 1860s, Americans were ready to let their hair down and celebrate. more

By J. Mark Powell | 7/5/26

Making choice for freedom

OPINION — After the 1787 Constitutional Convention, American socialite Elizabeth Willing Powell asked Benjamin Franklin whether the founding leaders had just created a monarchy or a republic. Franklin famously answered, “A republic, if you can keep it.” more

By Nicole Bibbins Sedaca | 7/4/26

The Experiment Continues: America’s 250th birthday is a big deal, so enjoy the party

America’s 250th birthday on July 4 is a glorious occasion. Some people may have a different view, but ignore the party-poopers. Let’s make having fun an honorary American Principle this month. more

By Frederic J. Fransen | 7/4/26